Subaru Forester is an attractive and beautiful SUV equipped with the latest technologies and safety features. Moreover, it comes up with different colors and classical designs. Moreover, it provides a comfortable and smooth drive.
Is Subaru Forester a Reliable SUV? Subaru Forester is a reliable SUV with a good engine power of about 200-hp and 180 feet pound torque capacity. It provides plenty of cargo space for about 35 cubic feet, which is enough for luggage placement. Its warranty is three years and is durable for about 300,000 miles maximum. On average, the Subaru Forester weighs around 3550 pounds and costs around $25,00 with 184x85x71 inches in size.
It also has different trims, which vary in price and design. These trims include base, premium, sport, limited, and touring. The manufacturer also uses high-quality materials to increase its marketing and value.
History and manufacturing of Subaru Forester
It is a large family SUV that was first presented in the showroom of Tokyo in 1995. For sale, it came in the market of Japan in 1997.
Its idea was given at the platform of Impreza five years ago from the starting of its production.
After one year, it also came to the US in 1998 and became very popular, especially in the young generation due to its shape and structure.
In the US, this vehicle replaced the Outback Sport as a good SUV. Its first generation comes in market 1998 and lasts for 2002.
The 2nd generation came in 2003 and it last for 2008 it has different models which vary according to their price.
Its 3rd generation came in 2009 with major redesigning and last in 2013. Its 4rth generation releases in 2014 with major changes in its size, and it remained on the market till 2018.
The 5th and last generations are now present in the market, released in 2019 with the latest technologies and features.
Its major manufacturing plant is in Gunma, located in Japan.
26 Examples of Subaru Forester with their weight, cost, engine power, and size
Models | Weight in pounds | Weight in kg | Weight in tons | Size | Engine power | Cost |
1997 Subaru Forester | 3173 pounds | 1439 kg | 1.5865 tons | 188 × 64 × 60 inches | 167 hp | $2,800 |
1998 Subaru Forester | 3015 pounds | 1367 kg | 1.5075 tons | 170 × 64 × 62 inches | 168 hp | $2,720 |
1999 Subaru Forester | 3125 pounds | 1417 kg | 1.5625 tons | 172 × 64 × 62 inches | 163 hp | $2,350 |
2000 Subaru Forester | 3120 pounds | 1415 kg | 1.56 tons | 172 × 74 × 63 inches | 169 hp | $3,080 |
2001 Subaru Forester | 3190 pounds | 1446 kg | 1.595 tons | 178 × 64 × 60 inches | 170 hp | $2,350 |
2002 Subaru Forester | 3100 pounds | 1406 kg | 1.55 tons | 178 × 63 × 60 inches | 162 hp | $2,340 |
2003 Subaru Forester | 3127 pounds | 1418 kg | 1.5635 tons | 173 × 63 × 59 inches | 171 hp | $2,560 |
2004 Subaru Forester | 3120 pounds | 1415 kg | 1.56 tons | 178 × 64 × 60 inches | 205 hp | $2,995 |
2005 Subaru Forester | 3130 pounds | 1419 kg | 1.565 tons | 173 × 62 × 63 inches | 173 hp | $2,780 |
2006 Subaru Forester | 3135 pounds | 1422 kg | 1.5675 tons | 172 × 64 × 58 inches | 178 hp | $3,550 |
2007 Subaru Forester | 3132 pounds | 1420 kg | 1.566 tons | 173 × 70 × 60 inches | 176 hp | $4,560 |
2008 Subaru Forester | 3180 pounds | 1442 kg | 1.59 tons | 180 × 63 × 65 inches | 180 hp | $4,200 |
2009 Subaru Forester | 3345 pounds | 1570 kg | 1.6725 tons | 183 × 70 × 62 inches | 185 hp | $4,350 |
2010 Subaru Forester | 3342 pounds | 1515 kg | 1.671 tons | 184 × 73 × 63 inches | 186 hp | $3,089 |
2011 Subaru Forester | 3348 pounds | 1518 kg | 1.674 tons | 182 × 74 × 60 inches | 177 hp | $7,120 |
2012 Subaru Forester | 3352 pounds | 1520 kg | 1.676 tons | 181 × 73 × 61 inches | 175 hp | $8,150 |
2013 Subaru Forester | 3355 pounds | 1521 kg | 1.6775 tons | 181 × 74 × 62 inches | 186 hp | $9,095 |
2014 Subaru Forester | 3360 pounds | 1524 kg | 1.68 tons | 184 × 67 × 64 inches | 175 hp | $10,915 |
2015 Subaru Forester | 3385 pounds | 1535 kg | 1.6925 tons | 184 × 66 × 63 inches | 169 hp | $12,660 |
2016 Subaru Forester | 3388 pounds | 1536 kg | 1.694 tons | 184 × 65 × 64 inches | 181 hp | $14,040 |
2017 Subaru Forester | 3418 pounds | 1550 kg | 1.709 tons | 181 × 73 × 64 inches | 168 hp | $16,220 |
2018 Subaru Forester | 3712 pounds | 1683 kg | 1.856 tons | 185 × 73 × 71 inches | 255 hp | $18,015 |
2019 Subaru Forester | 3450 pounds | 1564 kg | 1.725 tons | 186 × 85 × 73 inches | 190 hp | $21,310 |
2020 Subaru Forester | 3500 pounds | 1587 kg | 1.75 tons | 186 × 83 × 70 inches | 187 hp | $24,450 |
2021 Subaru Forester | 3546 pounds | 1608 kg | 1.773 tons | 185 × 84 × 71 inches | 191 hp | $27,150 |
2022 Subaru Forester | 3550 pounds | 1610 kg | 1.775 tons | 185 × 83 × 70 inches | 195 hp | $25,700 |
Reliability of Subaru Forester
The reliability score of this SUV is 3.5 out of 5, which makes them the best.
It has a 2.8-liter engine capacity with flat four-cylinders that have engine power of 185 hp. It has a six-speed transmission system with 180 pounds-feet torque distribution.
The heavy engine of 185 hp can take up to 1450 pounds, making the vehicle best for hauling.
You can fill up to 18 gallons in them; after this, it will provide 28 mpg for city route and 33mpg on national highways with average speed.
It comes up with automatic power steering, which has more stability and better holding capacity.
The shock absorbers and struts are also of good quality, which prevents them from bouncing and provides a smooth and comfortable drive on bumpy roads.
The tires are 20-inches with a four-wheel-drive which prevents slipperiness on the road during the rainy season.
The tires and rims are made of alloy, chrome, and steel, with different colors, designs, and finishes.
Is the Subaru forester durable?
The durability or longevity of any vehicle depends upon regular maintenance and proper care. It can last from 12 to 16 years with good driving habits. The total mileage these will provides is 200,300 to 249,000 miles. The SUVs with this mileage are considered the best.
People see the overall durability of the vehicle and prefer the longevity of its parts like engine, brakes system, and tires.
Engine
It will last about 320 000 miles without any problem and overheating. The important thing to increase the engine’s life is that it doesn’t overload and will ultimately prevent overheating in the engine compartment.
Tires
Its tires will last for about four years, which provides a mileage of 55.000 miles. You can increase the duration with proper care and maintenance. Don’t apply frequent brakes at high speed it this will prevent their surface from wear and tears.
Brake system
The brakes system of the Subaru forester will run for about 40,000 to 65 000 miles. You can increase this period by properly lubricating them with brake fluid. You also have to remove the entrapped air to prevent the braking pad and rotors from uneven friction.
What is the average maintenance cost of the Subaru Forester?
The maintenance includes the refilling of power steering, brake, clutch, and transmission fluid. It will also include maintaining the exterior body, tires, and chassis structure in case of any damage during accidents.
The research surveys showed that these SUVs are a little expensive to maintain because their parts are costly.
The average maintenance cost for fluid and its different parts is about $500 to $600 per year. The repairing price ranges from $200 to $300 per year.
Which brands are competing with the Subaru Forester?
Different brands compete with them to reduce their production and market demands, but this manufacturing company maintains its standards.
These are competing the Subaru forester according to the engine performance, mph performance, design, and safety features.
The competing vehicles which are challenging for engine and mpg include:
- Cherokee contains a 2.6-liter turbocharged engine and covers 60mpg in 7 seconds
- CX-5 includes a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine and covers a 60mpg distance in 8 seconds.
- Honda CR-V has a 1.7-liter turbocharged engine.
- Rogue covers 60mpg in 7-8 seconds and has 180 hp engine capacity.
The other SUVs also come into the market with challenging features to include:
- Escape
- Equinox
- Forester
- RAV4
The brands include
- Toyota
- Honda
- Nissan
- Chevy
- Ford
The exterior of the Subaru Forester is made of which material?
The exterior is made of different metals, alloys, and tensile steel. The manufacturing material is also contributing to the increase and decrease of their weight.
50% to 60% of the exterior body is made of high tensile strength steel, durable material. For decreasing the weight and increasing the driving performance, the industry also uses aluminum and carbon fiber.
These metals are also beneficial to prevent collision because they absorb energy, and fewer dents will appear on their surface.
The front bumper contains the thermoplastic polyolefin material. The exterior is wider and gives a boxy and sporty appearance that looks attractive.
How is the interior of the Subaru Forester?
The design of the interior always attracts people when purchasing a new vehicle. Therefore, the manufacturing industry redesigns its interior in the 5th generation with the latest features to make them beautiful and comfortable.
Seat arrangement
The seating arrangement of the forester is two-row with five seats in which 5-6 people can sit easily. All of the seats are wider and soft, and comfortable.
The seats also have proper ventilation and a powerful heating system to adjust the temperature according to environmental conditions.
Seats are covered by leather upholstery of beautiful color which gives them luxury and classical appearance. Moreover, leather is a durable material and will last for a long time.
Seats are wider and comfortable, which has excessive space for legroom and headroom. People with almost 6-inch height can easily sit on rear seats with relaxing their legs.
In the previous models, the driver seats are 6-way manually adjustable, but now the latest models have 8-way power-adjustable passenger and 10-way power-adjustable driver seats.
Due to their power-adjustability, you can move them up and down according to your height and comfortability.
The rear row also contains the LATCH and Tether connectors for the safety of your children.
Interior quality
- The Interior is made of high-quality saddle leather, which is highly durable and gives a luxurious appearance to the inner side.
- The leather stitching is so fine and neat that it will give a classical touch.
- The interior also contains wooden material for fine finishing.
Cargo space
- Subaru provides cargo space of about 35 cubic feet on the backside of rear row seating. It is enough space for the placement of bags, accessories, and suitcases.
- It will also provide about 80 cubic feet when folding the rear row seating to place your larger and heavy materials.
- This space is more than other brands and provides enough room for adjusting camping accessories during trips.
Warranty
Subaru forester provides a warranty of a maximum of 4 years which means that no major defect is seen in their parts till four to five years.
The mileage warranty of this SUV is about 35,000 to 37,000 miles, and it is best.
Is the Subaru forester equipped with the latest technologies?
People always want to purchase vehicles that have new and latest technologies in them. The latest models of Subaru have new and latest features in them that make it the best SUV.
These features include:
- Power steering wheel with leather trims
- Power windows
- Heated mirror
- Sunshade
- Windshield
- Tachometer
- Interior with LED lights
- Trip computer
- Adaptive suspension system
- Reverse automatic braking system
- Blind spot detection
Is Subaru Forester a good towing SUV?
It is also a good towing SUV that provides a hauling weight of about 1300 to 1600 pounds. If you haul things more than their capacity, it will damage their parts like tires, brakes, and transmission.
The things you can tow with them are
- Small campers
- Lightweight trailers
- Small boats
- Flatbed
- Bicycle trailer
How is the entertainment system of the Subaru forester?
Its entertainment is best; that’s why people prefer this over other SUVs. A good stereo and entertainment system with high-quality woofers and speakers are necessary to enjoy the long journey.
These SUVs have the latest features of entertainment systems which include
- FM stereo
- CD player
- Android auto
- Satellite radio
- Apple CarPlay
High-resolution display with touch screen
- Voice-activated control
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Starlink cloud applications
- Six speakers
- USB ports
What are their safety features?
People always counter the safety features of the vehicles for their safety, and it will also prevent accidents on national highways.
The latest safety features include:
- Electronic stability control
- ABS and driveline traction control
- Collision prevented front
- Pressure monitoring sensors for tires
- Passenger and driver seat airbag
- Lane assistant
- Driver monitoring alert
- Side impact beams
- Child safety locks with rear seats
- Front camera
- Adaptive headlights
Recalls or problems of Subaru Forester
- The company made a recall on transmission and braking systems in 2002.
- The company also recalls the front and backseat latches.
- The problem in fuel pumps comes in the year 2019, so the company resolves this issue by replacing low-pressure fuel pumps with high quality.
- The company also made a recall on the brake light system and replaced them free of cost.
Ranking and consumer reviews
- Subaru Forester ranks 4.5 out of 5 due to its latest features, price, and technologies.
- People rate their interior design and material 4.9 out of 5
- The rating of their comfortability is 4.7 out of 5.
- The performance of this SUV is best and ranks 4.8 out of 5.
- The exterior is also attractive, which receives a rating of 4.4 out of 5.
- It is the best vehicle and ranks on the 4rth number in compact SUVs.
- It comes on 6th number in crossover SUVs.
- It comes on the 5th number in SUVs with two rows of seating.
Related Articles:
Is it easy to turn Subaru Forester into a camper?
Tips for adding a trailer to the SUV
How Much Does a Kia Sportage Weigh?
What’s the curb weight and gross weight of the Jeep Cherokee?